Jordan Olenginski
I spent a month in Trujillo, Peru, to improve my Spanish and gain insight into a health care system outside the U.S. I stayed with a host family, en la casa de Betty, alongside two other Drexel students. My mornings were spent in the hospital with the OB/GYN team, while afternoons were dedicated to immersive Spanish classes focused on conversation and patient encounter role-playing.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the rotation was the community health clinic on Friday mornings. We traveled to nearby locations to provide care, offering a valuable opportunity to practice patient interviews and physical exams in Spanish, with the guidance of a teacher for support and corrections.
Our host family provided breakfast and lunch, while dinners were on our own. Weekends were spent exploring Peruvian culture and nearby landmarks. A highlight was hiking Laguna 69 in Huaraz at 14,000 feet. After the program, I extended my stay to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu, an unforgettable experience.
Beyond improving my Spanish and understanding a different health care system, this experience deepened my appreciation for Peruvian culture and the importance of human connection in medicine. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the lessons it has given me — both professionally and personally.
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